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Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

What is shocking to me is he has Gordon Hayward going to the Clippers at #8.

Favors jumps Turner to be picked #2

I await the "No way Bird passes on Cole Aldrich" jokes

Mock Draft 3.0
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Washington

John Wall

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 196 pounds
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: While GM Ernie Grunfeld continues to maintain that the Wizards haven't made any decisions and plan to bring in both Wall and Turner to work out, a Wizards source at the NBA draft combine acknowledged to me privately that the team will take Wall barring any unforeseen complications with his physical.

While a backcourt of Wall and Gilbert Arenas does raise some questions, it should be fine. Arenas has always been more of a 2-guard anyway, and Wall's star quality makes him the obvious choice for the Wizards to build around.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia

Derrick Favors

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 18
School: Georgia Tech
Analysis: I've heard various sources make pretty forceful arguments that three different players are second on the 76ers' board: Evan Turner, DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors. At times, I've been persuaded by all three. But now it looks like the Sixers are leaning toward Favors, according to what I was told on Monday by a credible source familiar with coach Doug Collins' thinking.

Turner isn't a great fit next to Andre Iguodala. And while Cousins is a perfect fit in the middle, the team has some concerns about his on-court attitude. That leaves Favors, who has as much upside as any player in the draft.

His measurements out of Chicago are virtually identical to Dwight Howard's -- which means he should be just fine playing center. All of this can change once players undergo individual workouts and interviews, but from what I can gather, Favors has the lead if the Sixers decide to keep the pick.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Jersey

Evan Turner

Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 214
Age: 21
School: Ohio State
Analysis: If Turner slides to No. 3, it's a dream scenario for New Jersey. While the Nets think very highly of Favors, they also have a chance to fill the power forward position with a free agent like Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire.

The Nets want to turn this thing around quickly and Turner has the ability to step in and play from day one. He can play both the 2 and the 3, and can share time on the wing with Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams.

The team also is high on Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson. I'm told he's in the mix at the No. 3 spot, as well. But for now, Turner has the edge.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota

Wesley Johnson

Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 206
Age: 22
School: Syracuse
Analysis: The Wolves are exploring possibilities of moving up in the draft. Evan Turner is their target and they have the assets to make a deal with either Philly or New Jersey.

If they keep the pick, Johnson seems like a terrific fit. He's long and athletic, rebounds from the 3 spot and can hit an open jumper. Some believe he's the next Shawn Marion.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Sacramento

Al-Farouq Aminu

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Age: 19
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: It's not easy to figure out which way the Kings are going right now. They play things close to the chest, and last year we got it wrong all the way up until the day of the draft.

This year is not that much different. They aren't really hurting at any one particular position, with the possible exception of center.

Cousins could make some sense here, but for now the word (albeit a shaky one) has Aminu in the lead.

He actually had a pretty good week in Chicago. A number of NBA GMs told me that based on Cousins' body of work, interviews and his measurements, they believe Cousins has as much talent as anyone in the draft, including John Wall.

Cousins has been compared to everyone from Shaq to Zach Randolph, but here's an interesting historical comparison to ponder -- could he be the next Moses Malone?

"He's huge, he scores around the basket, he's a terrific rebounder and he plays with a chip on his shoulder," one GM said. "How many 20-10 centers come along? Not very many. As far as a talent goes, he could be incredible in the NBA. The league has gotten smaller and quicker. Cousins would kill most of the big guys in our league today."

Cousins also fared well in the measurement category, comparing favorably in size to NBA centers. He measured a legit 6-foot-11 with a tremendous 7-foot-6 wingspan and 9-foot-5 standing reach. Those numbers put him on par with the likes of Dwight Howard, Greg Oden and Brook Lopez. His interviews weren't nearly as bad as everyone made them out to be, either.

While the Warriors have Andris Biedrins in the middle, he's nothing like Cousins, who can come in and be a big-time scorer right away. Teaming Cousins with with Stephen Curry and Anthony Randolph would give the Warriors a great foundation.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Detroit

Ed Davis

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: North Carolina
Analysis: Pistons president Joe Dumars has said he wants his team to regain the grit and toughness of past Pistons teams. But picking at No. 7 makes that a bit of a challenge. The Pistons are really high on both Cousins and Favors, but most likely they'll have to move up in the draft to get one of them. Regardless, the Pistons are taking a big man.

If they stay at No. 7, Davis makes some sense. He's got a nose for the ball and attacks the offensive glass. But he's also not the most polished player in the draft. Greg Monroe and Ekpe Udoh are other possibilities here. Apparently Cole Aldrich really isn't in the mix here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Los Angeles Clippers

Gordon Hayward

Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 211
Age: 20
School: Butler
Analysis: The Clippers could go in a lot of different directions with this pick and I keep getting mixed signals.

The latest tip to come out of Chicago pointed in the direction of Hayward. He's one of the most versatile guys in the draft, and while he struggled a bit this season, he can really knock down shots. Given that the team plans to feature Blake Griffin next year, that's a big deal.

With the loss of Marcus Camby, Ekpe Udoh is also a real possibility here, as is Xavier Henry.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Utah
(via New York)

Greg Monroe

Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 247
Age: 19
School: Georgetown
Analysis: The Jazz are in a position to lose Carlos Boozer this summer via free agency, but Monroe would be a solid consolation prize. He's not super-athletic, but he's the most skilled big guy in the draft and would be a perfect fit in coach Jerry Sloan's half-court offense.

His measurements out of Chicago also support his cause. He measured 6-foot-11 in shoes with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a standing reach that puts him on par with most of the top big men in the draft.

But don't ignore a coming challenge by Gordon Hayward. The Jazz love him and need someone to replace free agent Kyle Korver.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Indiana

Avery Bradley

Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Texas
Analysis: The Pacers are one of the most difficult teams to peg right now. They have so many needs and are talking to everyone about moving up, moving down, or maybe even moving out of the draft, according to a number of other teams who have targeted the Pacers' pick.

The Pacers' biggest need is at point guard. A month ago, I think Bradley would've been considered a stretch here, but more and more scouts and GMs believe he could be this year's Russell Westbrook. Ekpe Udoh, Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry and Gordon Hayward are also possibilities here, too.

Aldrich didn't measure particularly well in Chicago, standing just 6-foot-9 in socks. He makes up for much of that with a huge 7-foot-4 wingspan and a versatile game that allows him to face the basket. Aldrich could go as high as No. 5. I don't think he slides further than this.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis

Luke Babbitt

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Nevada
Analysis: This pick may seem like a bit of a reach, but sources say the Grizzlies have locked in early on Babbitt -- and they're concerned he won't be there when they pick again at No. 25. While I have no idea who he can guard at the next level, the guy can really score. The question: Is he the next Adam Morrison or the next Chris Mullin? The Grizzlies are banking on the latter.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Toronto

Daniel Orton

Position: C
Height: 6-10
Weight: 269
Age: 19
School: Kentucky
Analysis: While Orton averaged just 3 ppg and 3 rpg, he's considered a player with tremendous upside thanks to a wide body, long arms and the ability to play both in the paint and facing the basket. He measured short in Chicago (6-8¾ in socks) but has a huge wingspan (7-4¼) to make up for it.

With the Raptors on the verge of losing Chris Bosh this summer, they have to start thinking about a long-term replacement in the middle. The team would like to move Andrea Bargnani to the 4 and needs a tough rebounder and shot-blocker in the middle. Ekpe Udoh, Hassan Whiteside and Solomon Alabi will also get long looks here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Houston

Ekpe Udoh

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Baylor
Analysis: Udoh is the type of long, shot-blocking forward who should find a comfortable home in Houston. While he's a bit older than the rest of the class and doesn't have elite athleticism, he's still improving -- one of the few older players in the draft with any real upside left. Patrick Patterson and Hassan Whiteside are other possibilities here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Milwaukee
(via Chicago)

Xavier Henry

Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 19
School: Kansas
Analysis: Henry looked good at the NBA draft combine in the drills, where he shot the lights out. It also didn't hurt that he ended up ranking as the sixth-best player in the draft in John Hollinger's Draft Rater.

Teams as high up as the Clippers, Jazz and Pacers are looking at him closely. At this point, if Gordon Hayward goes higher, I don't see Henry slipping past the Bucks, who can use him at both the 2 and the 3. With John Salmons looking to opt out, they're going to need to add some more versatility to the wing position.

James Anderson and Patrick Patterson are other possibilities with this pick.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Charlotte)

Paul George

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 214
Age: 20
School: Fresno State
Analysis: After Whiteside, George is one of the biggest upside players in the draft. He didn't dominate at Fresno State, but as a 6-9 shooting guard who can really shoot the basketball, he draws comparisons to everyone from Joe Johnson to Wilson Chandler to Trevor Ariza.

The Wolves need shooting and size in their backcourt, so he should be the perfect fit. Pair him with Wesley Johnson or Evan Turner and the Wolves just got a lot better.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago
(via Milwaukee)

James Anderson

Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
Age: 21
School: Oklahoma State
Analysis: Anderson was one of the best scorers in college basketball and could be a very good fit in the Bulls' backcourt. His ability to stretch the defense and attack the basket would make him a nice complement to Derrick Rose.

Even if the team ends up landing LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, look for Anderson to be the guy. As far as NBA-ready players go, there are few better in this draft. I'd expect him to play the same sort of role James Harden did in OKC last season.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Miami

Eric Bledsoe

Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Bledsoe is a tough, Pat Riley type of player and could be a long-term upgrade from the Mario Chalmers-Carlos Arroyo duo at point guard.

Bledsoe was one of the players who really helped himself at the draft combine. Playing outside of John Wall's shadow, he often looked like the best guard on the floor. Physically, he's ready for the NBA right now. But he still needs more experience running the point. Long term, Bledsoe could pay off.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Boston

Solomon Alabi

Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 237
Age: 22
School: Florida State
Analysis: Alabi may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but I was impressed with the feedback I received from NBA scouts and GMs after the combine. Not only did he measure as the biggest player in the draft, but he showed a nice skills game and a terrific motor in the drills.

Some scouts are comparing him to Dikembe Mutombo. I don't think Alabi has the same sort of rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but he does have a similar demeanor and presence on the court.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

San Antonio

Damion James

Position: SF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 227
Age: 22
School: Texas
Analysis: James is one of the more underrated players in the draft. Very few players have his combination of athleticism and motor.

He doesn't have a position on offense, but he can defend multiple positions on the floor. He would be able to step in right away with the Spurs' veterans and provide meaningful minutes.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City

Donatas Motiejunas

Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania
Analysis: If Motiejunas believes he'll slip this far, he most likely will withdraw from the draft. But he'd be a great long-term pickup for the Thunder if they can get him this low.

He's a very skilled forward who has some Pau Gasol and Toni Kukoc in his game. He is playing at a high level in Europe but needs to get stronger.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Portland

Patrick Patterson

Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
Age: 21
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Patterson would be a steal for the Blazers if he slips this low. While Patterson does little to wow you, he's the type of unselfish, productive big man who would fit in well with the team that Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard has put together.

He measured well in Chicago and was apparently one of the best interviewees there, so he could find himself moving back up into the late lottery. But I'm still struggling to find him a home.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Utah)

Kevin Seraphin

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 258
Age: 20
Country: France
Analysis: With their third pick of this draft, you can expect the Wolves to stash a player overseas. Seraphin hasn't really produced big numbers in France, but he has Serge Ibaka-like physical upside.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta

Hassan Whiteside

Position: C
Height: 7-0
Weight: 227
Age: 20
School: Marshall
Analysis: How can a guy who just measured with a freakish 7-foot-7 wingspan slip this far? The word out of Chicago was that the interviews didn't go so well. And as I wrote in my draft combine wrap-up blog post, I had the chance to sit down with Whiteside and I can understand why.

Whiteside isn't a bad kid, but he's very naive at this point, in a way that reminded me a bit of Tyrus Thomas. Eventually some team will decide the talent is too much to pass on. But I think he did some damage to his stock last week. He can certainly make up for that in workouts ... but he's just created a bigger mountain to climb.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis
(via Denver)

Larry Sanders

Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 222
Age: 21
School: Va. Commonwealth
Analysis: If the Grizzlies go a little safe with their first pick, they can swing for the fences with Sanders. With a freakish wingspan and terrific athleticism, Sanders could add a different look to the Grizzlies' frontcourt.

Both Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are big bodies, but neither player can run the floor and do the things Sanders can do.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City
(via Phoenix)

Craig Brackins

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 229
Age: 22
School: Iowa State
Analysis: Brackins would be a good pick for the Thunder. He's a high-character guy who can score inside and outside and will play hard. Right now, Nenad Krstic is the only guy who can really get it done in the post. Brackins could be a nice long-term fit.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Jersey
(via Dallas)

Keith Gallon

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 302
Age: 19
School: Oklahoma
Analysis:We've had Terrico White pegged here for a couple of weeks, and he could still be the pick. But if the Nets get their hands on Evan Turner at No. 3, then they probably will focus on a big with their other pick.

Gallon is one of the best-shooting big men in the draft. If he can get in better shape, he's a talent at this spot in the draft.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis
(via L.A. Lakers)

Quincy Pondexter

Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 22
School: Washington
Analysis: Pondexter was one of the best seniors in the country. He is an elite athlete and proved this season that he can really score. He's a jump shot away from being a star. Think the next Desmond Mason.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Orlando

Willie Warren

Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 210
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma
Analysis: At the beginning of the season, Warren was considered a potential top-10 pick. However, a poor season and some injuries, plus some bad chemistry with his coach, really hurt his stock.

But he is a steal here -- the type of versatile guard who could make an impact for the Magic.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Washington
(via Cleveland)

Jarvis Varnado

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 22
School: Mississippi State
Analysis: Varnado may not be much to look at on the offensive end, but on the defensive end, he's a beast combining a great motor, long arms and elite athleticism. Once he gets stronger, I could see him as a Chris Andersen type of defender.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

Chad Ford is supposedly connected, but this mock is a mess.

I can't see us taking Bradley when both Udoh and Bledsoe are available. I also can't see Turner going after Favors. I understand that Ford is required to pick based upon every team keeping their pick, but Turner going 3 is a big stretch. Same with Cousins going at 7. GMs are always infatuated by talent, and I don't think that NBA talent evaluators are sophisticated enough yet to not take knuckleheads. I think he goes to Sacramento at 5.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

Some of those picks make a lot of sense. And I do believe that Chad isn't just throwing **** at the wall, he's going off what he hears from those in the know.

That said, Turner going at 3, that is just insane. If he does, and I don't put it past Philly to be that stupid, it has the potential, not definitively, but certainly has the potential to be mentioned alongside Darko over Melo, Oden over Durant (sorry Greg, you know I love you), Bowie over Jordan, etc. Yeesh.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

-At 6-2 without shoes, with a 6-7 ¼ wingspan, Avery Bradley might just be able to get by at the shooting guard position, which appears to be a more natural fit for him. Numerous NBA executives pointed out how impressed they were with him this weekend. His stock appears to be rising considerably at the moment. Adding strength to his 180-pound frame looks like a big priority for the freshman at the moment.

Quite possibly the most impressive player in attendance here, Avery Bradley put on an outstanding shooting display in both drills and scrimmages, showing off his picture perfect form while many times making those in attendance wonder if he can miss a shot. In drills, Bradley looked very smooth pulling up off a confident dribble, knocking down a variety of shots, while also showing off his excellent athleticism in transition, putting his 37.5 inch vertical leap to good use.

Where Bradley really impressed though was the scrimmages, where his team rarely lost and he made great use of the floor’s spacing, getting to open spots of the floor with ease, showing no troubles getting separation from his man. With his excellent body control, balance, and elevation, Bradley just needs a glimmer of space to get his shot off, and he showed that especially playing the pick-and-roll game. Bradley hit a variety of pull-up jumpers from the mid-range and from behind the arc, many with a hand in his face, which didn’t seem to do much. He incorporated in some hesitation dribbles and fakes to get separation when his first move didn’t work, but mostly didn’t need it, just being so proficient out of simple pick-and-rolls.

Bradley was able to dominate constantly looking for his shot out of pick-and-rolls, but he didn’t really excel finding his teammates, something that wasn’t problematic here but did lead to some troubles at Texas this past season, as he’s prone to showing tunnel vision looking for his own shot. While it’s tough to take much concrete from these scrimmages, nothing we saw here suggested Bradley is yet ready to be a full-time point guard in the NBA, in line with what we saw from him all season.
Bradley also didn’t show much in terms of finishing at the rim, though to be fair the way he was playing, he didn’t need to try. He is a bouncy athlete in space for sure, but he did have some troubles finishing at the rim in college this season, and it’d be nice to see him continue to work on his floater.

Defensively, Bradley likewise shined, using his full 6’7 wingspan to great use, never giving up on a play, and constantly trying to affect plays from behind when beat. He did a good job battling through pick-and-rolls and played physical, intense defense pretty much every possession, having some great battles with the other small guards here. Bradley also appeared to be a very good teammate, encouraging others and being pretty vocal in general.

Seeing Bradley run so many pick-and-rolls and play in an environment with much more spacing than he saw at Texas, it’s not hard to see many reasons why he has the potential to be a better NBA player than he was in college, especially if he can go to a system that emphasizes those two concepts. Bradley’s 6’7 wingspan also bodes well for his chances of defending shooting guards at the next level, at least reserves, many of which are 6’5 and under. While there are questions about his position, Bradley certainly brings quite a few NBA skills to the table, and could be capable of contributing immediately in the right situation, though situation should be critical to his early chances at success.

"Speaking of free throws, another major problem area in Bradley’s game is his inability to get to the line, something that most combo guards in today’s NBA are expected to do. He ranks dead last in free throws attempted per-40 minutes pace adjusted amongst all players in our 2010 or 2011 mock drafts in fact, drawing just 66 attempts in 1000 minutes this season, or one for every 15 minutes he’s on the floor. "

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I can't see us taking Bradley when both Udoh and Bledsoe are available. I also can't see Turner going after Favors. I understand that Ford is required to pick based upon every team keeping their pick, but Turner going 3 is a big stretch. Same with Cousins going at 7. GMs are always infatuated by talent, and I don't think that NBA talent evaluators are sophisticated enough yet to not take knuckleheads. I think he goes to Sacramento at 5.

I think a lot of ppl on this board are backwards when it comes to Bradley and Bledsoe. Bledsoe looks like a nice talent if you're picking (15-25), but Bradley has a far higher ceiling. Bledsoe is Johnny Flynn/Kyle Lowry like. Bradley is long and athletic like Rondo/Westbrook. He can shoot too. It's a no brainer IMO.

I think there is a very good chance Bradley is gone by #10. He'll jump just like Westbrook did two years ago.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I take the athleticism, shooting, and most important lockdown defense (if true) and run. He's freaking 19, he can get to be a better ball handler, even if he never becomes a playmaker type Point Guard, maybe you get that from another spot. In today's NBA, I don't think there are more than a handful of pure point guards anyway.

Unless his defense is just way over stated, it sounds like he'd get time on the floor immediately because he can guard Point Guards. Again, thats a nice launching point. Sounds like at worst he can be a back up defensive minded Point Guard, when have the Pacers had that.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I think the difference between Bradley and Gordon is that Gordon is built like an NFL Fullback and so is harder to post up at the SG position, and is also better at absorbing contact.

Bradley, to me, is a little like Ben Gordon, but maybe not quite as talented. If you look at a best-case scenario where Bradley becomes a Ben Gordon that plays hard defense, the question you have to ask yourself at this point is, "Is this a player that I see as a starter on a playoff team?". If the answer is no, then I think you need to look somewhere else at #10. I think that Bradley can be a good energy guy off the bench of a contender, or he could be a starter for a lottery team. The only exception to this is if you paired him with a SG with PG abilities, such as Tyreke Evans, Brandon Roy, or Evan Turner.

I think he'd be a good pickup at around 20 or later, but at #10, you're looking for players that make you a playoff team within 3-4 years, not guys who might not even start for you in 3-4 years.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I think a lot of ppl on this board are backwards when it comes to Bradley and Bledsoe. Bledsoe looks like a nice talent if you're picking (15-25), but Bradley has a far higher ceiling. Bledsoe is Johnny Flynn/Kyle Lowry like. Bradley is long and athletic like Rondo/Westbrook. He can shoot too. It's a no brainer IMO.

I think there is a very good chance Bradley is gone by #10. He'll jump just like Westbrook did two years ago.

I disagree. I think that Bledsoe is a PG who's stats were affected by being forced to play out of position at SG, whereas Bradley is a SG who's stats were affected by being forced to play out of position at PG.

As for comparing Bradley to Rondo/Westbrook, the comparison is off. First, Rondo has always been a PG first. He's always been a good passer, a good floor general, and a good game manager. His problem was his shooting ability. Bradley has the exact opposite problem.

Westbrook is a better example, but Westbrook plays with at least two teammates who are comfortable as the initiator of the offense. In essense, all Westbrook has to do is get the ball past half court and get it to Green or Durant and be ready to shoot an open jumper or drive to the hole.

I will say this: Bradley fits O'Brien's idea of a PG to a tee, so I wouldn't be surprised if we take him, but I will be disappointed if a guy like Udoh is still on the board.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I wonder if the June 3rd workout between Bledsoe and Bradley is one of the main determining factors.

I still say first option in Bird's mind is to do a trade like he did with Portland. Heck maybe even for the same player, in a 10 for 12 move down for Jarret Jack with Toronto. That would answer a question for next year at least and you'd still get a guy you want.

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I still like Udoh at 10. I also agree 100% we need a starting PG. I am hoping we can find a trade partner that can bring in either a starting quality PG or a front line player. These Mock Drafts always fluctuate, once we have had individual workouts, I think we will see who the best talent is and go from there, but so much can happen between now and then. Ford is 100% correct in saying we have many needs...

Re: Chad Ford Mock Draft 3.0

I disagree. I think that Bledsoe is a PG who's stats were affected by being forced to play out of position at SG, whereas Bradley is a SG who's stats were affected by being forced to play out of position at PG.

As for comparing Bradley to Rondo/Westbrook, the comparison is off. First, Rondo has always been a PG first. He's always been a good passer, a good floor general, and a good game manager. His problem was his shooting ability. Bradley has the exact opposite problem.

Westbrook is a better example, but Westbrook plays with at least two teammates who are comfortable as the initiator of the offense. In essense, all Westbrook has to do is get the ball past half court and get it to Green or Durant and be ready to shoot an open jumper or drive to the hole.

I will say this: Bradley fits O'Brien's idea of a PG to a tee, so I wouldn't be surprised if we take him, but I will be disappointed if a guy like Udoh is still on the board.

The Rondo comparison was more physique than skill set. My point is, Bradley has the physical tools that seem to translate better into a successful NBA player than Bledsoe does.....mainly height and athletiscm. Bradley is the long athletic type (Rondo, Westbrook, Evans), where Bledsoe has the shorter bulldog type frame (Flynn, Lowry, Nelson, Fisher).

Both Bradley and Bledsoe played off the ball in college, but I will concede that Bledsoe is a more natural PG than Bradley. Keep in mind though, ppl said the same thing about Holiday and Westbrook.

Regardless, I like them both, a lot. I just tend to lean towards Bradley b/c of his physique, which appears to be the trend right now. You can't teach that.

I like Udoh too, but eventually we have to come to a point where we stop stock piling rotational players and swing for the fences. Udoh is nice, but he'll never make an ASG. He's also 23 years old already.